GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Benoit XVI’s butler was arrested Wednesday 23 May for leaking highly confidential documents to an Italian journalist. The arrest follows weeks of turmoil with documents leaked that included confidential messages and documents about financial transparency, sexual scandals and negotiations with private religious organizations.
The butler, or valet, was found with documents in his apartment at the Vatican that he did not have permission to have in his possession. A Vatican statement issued 26 May says “Vatican magistrates have formaliszd charges against 46 year-old Paolo Gabriele, who was papal valet until his arrest on Wednesday. The magistrates have confirmed his detention and invited him to name two lawyers to represent him before the Vatican Tribunal.”
